Winter Storm — Paradise Valley, Montana

2008-12-13 · Paradise Valley, Montana

Event narrative

Significant blowing and drifting snow and dangerous wind chills, along with four inches of new snow was reported just south of Livingston.

Wider weather episode

A major winter storm moved across South Central Montana on the 13th. The storm system brought in a period of heavy snow, blowing snow and bitterly cold temperatures. The heaviest snow fell at the time of the strongest winds behind the frontal passage on the 13th, resulting in the greatest impacts. Winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts exceeding 50 mph were common, resulting in frequent visibilities at or below a quarter of a mile in many areas. Snowfall amounts were generaly in the one to four inch range with locally higher amounts. One fatality was reported along with two injuries in a 2 vehicle accident on Highway 212, about halfway between Laurel and Silesia. In addition, bitterly cold temperatures moved into the area for the remainder of the weekend. On the 15th, record low temperatures were reported at some locations as temperatures dropped to around 20 degrees below zero. The following locations all reported snow with wind gusts to 40 mph along with visibilities of less than 1/4 mile.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 144020. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.